After dinner, Harry went back to his room. It looked exactly the same as he had it last year. He would have to thank the elves. After letting Azula slither onto her perch, he opened the door to the Founder's Den.

He absentmindedly greeted the founders while conjuring a chalkboard. On it, he wrote,

Chamber of Secrets

Animagus

Lockheart

Mate

Grey Lord

Danger to Hogwarts?

Trial

"These are the things I have to focus on this year. This list is subject to change but this is what I know will happen this year. Earlier this summer, my mate sent me a letter saying that Salazar needs to tell me of the Chamber. Preferably at least two weeks before Halloween."

"I will, once you have better control over Parselmagick."

"Next is my animagus form. I have completed the meditation and once I discover the animal, I can start the transformation."

"Third is the new DADA Professor. Gilderoy Lockheart. He is narcissistic and all of the course work, which he wrote, is fabricated. It is incredible that no one has outed him for the fake that he is."

"Fourth is my Mate. You are all aware that I had received multiple letters from her last year, but now, she is in Hogwarts. From what I have gathered is that she is a Seer. The fates have told her that we are not to meet yet. I know the bond is weak and won't start forming until we have at least a friendship but I can't help but feel like something is missing. I just want to protect her and talk to her. Not through stupid letters but in person. Where I can hear her laugh and her voice."

Helga cooed at that.

"And what of the Grey Lord stuff Harry?" asked Rowena.

"I figured now may be as good a time as any to start planning for the future. Magick told me that they would tell me when it is time, but I wish to be prepared and have plans that I wish to set into motion."

"Wonderful idea Harry," said Salazar

"And the danger to Hogwarts?" asked Godric

"During the summer, a Malfoy house-elf came to warn me of a danger to myself at Hogwarts. I believe it may have something to do with the letter my Mate sent to me about the Chamber of Secrets."

"You don't mean…"

"Sal, I think it's time to put her to rest."

"What are you guys talking about?"

"Slytherin's monster. In the Chamber lies Salazar's familiar, Asha, a basilisk."

"A basilisk! Seriously? The giant snake with the ability to kill with a gaze? THAT basilisk?"

Salazar had the decency to look ashamed. "She would do nothing to harm those who wish no harm on the students of Hogwarts."

"Do you guys have familiars too?"

"I have a phoenix. I believe the Headmaster pretends that Fawkes is his."

"And you Rowena? Helga?"

"No, I don't. My magick is not compatible with most animals, if I did, it would be a very rare breed."

"I had a cat. Her name was Morgan."

"Rowena, you named your familiar after Morgana?"

"Yes. Now, I believe it is time for you to go to bed young man. You have classes tomorrow."

His schedule it seemed, was a lot like last years. Today, he had transfiguration, a free period, then potions, lunch, then charms to finish his classes. Starting next week, astronomy would be held after dinner. Tomorrow, he had History of Magic, Herbology, a free period then lunch, and then Defence against the Dark Arts to finish off the day.

Now that he was more used to the teachers and their coursework, he would hopefully have more free time for other things, namely his tutoring with Neville.

During his free period, Harry went to visit his head of House, Professor Flitwick.

"Good morning Professor. I hope you've had a pleasant break."

"Ah, Mr. Potter. I did. I did. Now, what is it you wished to talk about?"

"Well, you see, my godfather is Sirius Black."

"Yes, I am aware. I assume this has something to do with his upcoming trial?"

"Yes, sir. I was wondering if you would be able to allow me to go to his trial. I am his heir after all."

"Oh, yes. It would be beneficial for both you and him to be there. However, I'm afraid I cannot let you off of school grounds without your magical guardian or someone else that I approve of. I will not be able to accompany you, but perhaps we can come up with a solution."

"I can choose a teacher if need be, but I am friends with an alumnus of Hogwarts that wishes to go to the trial but would not be allowed due to certain...circumstances."

"I see… is your friend Remus Lupin by any chance?"

"Yes, he is. We became acquainted over the summer break because of the trial."

"I know that he is a fine young man. I shall allow it."

"Is there any way that we can keep this from the Headmaster for as long as possible?"

"I will certainly try my best, though I hope that you will perhaps tell me why."

"Maybe one day Professor. I will take my leave now, I have some things to gather before my next class."

Please look at the poll in the previous chapter and vote if you haven't already!

Happy Holidays!